Morocco looking to knock Portugal out for a spot at the semi-finals in Qatar.

Having eliminated Spain to reach the quarterfinals, the Atlas Lions are back against Portugal for a spot in the semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Morocco vs. Portugal kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 10, at the Al-Thumama Stadium.

Morocco earned a spot in the quarterfinals following a penalty shootout with Spain after both sides were locked in a goalless draw following extra time. "We wanted to try and win the game before penalties, but we knew if it went to penalties, we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world," Walid Regragui said after seeing his side emerge victorious following a cheeky penalty by Achraf Hakimi. Having reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, the Atlas Lions are now looking to become the first African team to reach the semifinals. However, there have been 11 previous games in the knockout phase between African and European teams, with nine of those games won by the latter. Morocco [WDWWD*] are unbeaten in five World Cup games [2W, 3D, & 0L] and are looking to stage an upset against Portugal, having won once in two previous World Cup meetings [1W, 0D, & 1L]. The North African side has conceded only once over the course of the World Cup in Qatar and are hoping their defense can hold firm against a Portuguese team with an average of three goals per match. Walid Regragui is expected to stick to the 4—3—3 seen against Spain, with Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, and Hakim Ziyech in attack.

Portugal made light work of Switzerland following a 6-1 win over the Red Crosses for their first appearance in the quarterfinals since reaching the last eight at the FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006. Portugal [WWWLW] are now looking to progress beyond the quarter-finals, having done so at their last two appearances in this phase, - against DPR Korea in 1966 and England in 2006. Ronaldo was dropped from the starting lineup following questionable remarks upon being substituted in the game against South Korea. With his replacement, Benfica's Gonçalo Ramos, bagging a hat-trick, the iconic no. 7 could be faced with the daunting task of finding his way back to the starting line-up so soon. Fernando Santos remained tight-lipped over his starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game. "Ronaldo will definitely [play]," he said without confirming the skipper’s place from the get-go. However, with team unity at the World Cup a top priority, Fernando Santos could sacrifice João Félix for a 4—1—2—1—2, restoring Cristiano Ronaldo to the starting line-up alongside Tuesday's hero, Gonçalo Ramos. The victor will take on either England or France in a semi-final clash on December 14.